The calm within

After yesterday’s somewhat dark poem, today I’m sharing something lighter. It might seem surprising to some, but I, as an autistic person with ADHD, actually enjoy meditation. This is something that many people find difficult to understand.

However, as I happened to explain in a comment a few days ago, both autism and ADHD are often treated with nootropics, a complex word that means cognitive enhancers. Examples of nootropics include methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines, with the most well-known amphetamine used for ADHD treatment being dextroamphetamine. It should be clear by now that I’m speaking from personal experience. These medications often work for treating the symptoms of autism and ADHD because they address the underlying issue: decreased neurotransmitter activity, not increased activity as many people believe. These medications effectively increase neurotransmitter activity, thereby improving cognitive control. There are numerous studies on this topic, and the connection between ADHD and autism’s executive dysfunction is well-established.

Like medication, meditation can be a helpful tool, but for different reasons. While medication addresses the underlying issue of decreased neurotransmitter activity, meditation focuses on cultivating the calmness that people with ADHD and autism often need to manage symptoms in our fast-paced world.

It’s also important to note that meditation may have negative side effects, particularly for those with conditions involving increased neurotransmitter activity, such as schizophrenia. These side effects can include sleep disturbances and psychosis.

Anyway, that’s a glimpse into my brain and thought process before I share my poem.

My poem:

In the hushed embrace of quietude, where thoughts surrender to serenity,
a haven of tranquility beckons, where calmness gently resides within me.
Inhale, exhale, a rhythm so pure, a symphony of breath so serene,
as the world’s clamor fades from view and my inner peace begins to convene.

In this sanctuary of stillness, I let go of worries that bind,
release the burdens that weigh me down, and surrender to peace that is kind.
With each breath, I gently detach from the chaos that surrounds,
and embrace the tranquility that unfolds, like a flower in peaceful grounds.

My mind, once a whirlwind of thoughts, now finds solace in this retreat,
where the turbulence of the mental storm finally finds its sweet treat.
Like gentle waves caressing the shore, thoughts softly wash in and out,
no longer clinging to fears and strife, but dancing in the tranquil bout.

In this moment of deep introspection, I witness the beauty within,
the essence of my being, pure and bright, where true peace begins.
Like a lotus blossoming from mud, my spirit emerges serene,
untainted by the world’s clamor and worries, a beacon of peace I now glean.

Calmness, like a soothing balm, permeates every cell,
easing the tension that gripped my being, making my spirit feel well.
My body, once tense and weary, now finds solace and ease.
A symphony of relaxation unfolds, as tension begins to appease.

In this haven of tranquility, I rediscover myself anew,
a being of peace and serenity, where worries cease to pursue.
Meditation’s gentle embrace, a gift so profound and rare,
unravels the knots of anxiety, leaving only calmness to share.